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Thursday, January 4, 2018

Real Tips For Dealing With Rosacea Part One: Asking The Doctor

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum

Did you know that over 40 million
people, worldwide, are affected by Rosacea? We didn’t either! However, we did
know that fringe Team TME member, Laura, was affected by Rosacea and listening
to her struggles we understood that this skin disorder brings with it a lot of
frustration, confusion and questions. With that, The Makeup Examiner Team
turned to Board Certified Dermatologist, Dr. Marnie Nussbaum for some insight
and answers.

The Makeup Examiner: It’s our
understanding that there are several types of Rosacea. Can you elaborate on
this?

Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: Rosacea is
most often characterized as redness or bumps on the face. However, there are so
many other symptoms that we need to break it down into four subtypes. A person
with subtype 1, Erythematotelangietatic rosacea, will have persistent redness,
flushing, and visible blood vessels on his or her skin—most often on the face.
In subtype 2 cases, Papulopustular rosacea, the skin will be red, swollen, and
have bumps similar to acne. Patients with subtype 3, Phymatous rosacea, will
experience bumpy and thickened skin. In subtype 4, Ocular rosacea, a person
will have red, burning, and noticeably irritated eyes.

Is Rosacea hereditary?

Dr. Nussbaum: Many people who are
diagnosed with Rosacea have relatives with similar symptoms, but there are
currently no scientific studies that confirm whether or not it is directly
linked to genetics.

Is there a demographic that is
more prone to Rosacea?

Dr. Nussbaum: Yes, people who
have fair skin and blush easily are more prone to Rosacea. This disease is more
common in women, but often time’s men who are diagnosed will experience more
severe symptoms.

What can cause a Rosacea “flare-up”?

Dr. Nussbaum: Flare-ups can be
caused by any number of things and must be identified by the individual. Most
often patients will find that stress, the weather, and certain foods will
contribute to their triggers.

Are there specific foods that
Rosacea suffers should avoid?

Dr. Nussbaum: Depending on the
individual there may be certain foods that cause one’s Rosacea to flare-up. A
few trigger foods include citrus fruits, avocados, and anything spicy or high
in histamine.

Cosmetics would be a logical item
to reach for when one is experiencing an issue with Rosacea. Are there
particular cosmetic ingredients that Rosacea suffers should stay away from?

Dr. Nussbaum: If a person has
Rosacea and must use cosmetics it is best to use products that are fragrance-free.
Before making a purchase it’s important to look at the ingredients and test the
product on a small area of skin to make sure you don’t have any kind of
reaction. However, in all cases with Rosacea it is best to use the least amount
of products as possible.

Is there a specific skin care
regimen that you recommend to get, and keep, Rosacea under control?

Dr. Nussbaum: Absolutely, I
recommend using Sebamed’s Liquid Face and Body Wash, which is an ultra-mild
2-in-1 face and body wash that will restore skin's pH balance of 5.5 while it
gently cleanses. When you’re ready to rinse off the body wash make sure to use
lukewarm water and then pat your skin dry with a soft towel. If you have
Rosacea and use extremely hot or cold water, or wipe your skin dry this will
most likely cause a lot of irritation. After you’ve finished cleansing wait
about 15-30 minutes before applying any topical medication to your skin in
order to avoid the stinging or burning sensation.

The Makeup Examiner Team hopes
that the answers shed a little light on Rosacea and we recommend that you stop
back tomorrow for part deux -- “Real Tips For Dealing With Rosacea Part Two:
The Experiment” for an interesting journey into the products that help
alleviate symptoms and cosmetics that can see you through a flare up and
beyond.

About Dr. Marnie Nussbaum: Dr.
Nussbaum graduated with honors and distinction from Cornell University. She
attended Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan, where she was the
recipient of the James Metcalf Polk Award. She also served as President of
Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Nussbaum completed her internship training in Internal
Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and her residency in
Dermatology at Weill Cornell-New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she served
as Chief Resident in Dermatology. Among her numerous awards are the Outstanding
House Staff Award and the Women in Science Award. Dr. Nussbaum is currently in
private practice on the upper east side of New York and is the Chief Medical Spokesperson
for Sebamed.

Note: A very special thank to Dr.
Nussbaum for taking time from her very busy schedule to share her expertise
with TME readers!